The Government said it will issue the new British passports
in two stages. The first stage began on 30 March this year.

Passports from 30
March 2019

Since 30 March, new British passports have continued to be
issued in burgundy. However, some passports have been issued with the words
‘European Union’ on the front cover, and some without. It is not possible for
passport applicants to choose which version they would prefer.

“There will be no difference for British citizens whether they are using a passport that includes the words European Union, or a passport that does not include the words European Union. Both designs will be equally valid for travel.”

On the change, the
Guardian reported that: “the move angered
those applying for new passports who were hoping to hold on to an emblem of EU
membership.” From exit day onwards, the Government intends to cease
issuing any passports with the words ‘European Union’ on the cover.

Passports from late
2019

Blue passports without the words ‘European Union’ will be issued from late 2019 in a phased approach. The Government explains: “if you renew your passport between late 2019 and early 2020, you’ll be issued with either a blue or a burgundy British passport. You will not be able to choose whether you get a burgundy or a blue passport during this time. All British passports issued from early 2020 will be blue.”

British passports close to expiry

British passports which are nearing expiry may need to be renewed earlier in the event of a no-deal Brexit. If the UK leaves the EU with a deal, we can assume there will be a transition period, during which the UK will remain inside the EU.

Passports following a no-deal Brexit

The UK Government has issued guidance to British passport holders who plan to travel to the EU after a potential no-deal Brexit. It states that passport holders should have at least six months left – regardless of whether you are a child or an adult – to travel to ‘most countries in Europe,’ not including Ireland.

For people who have renewed their
passport before a previous one expires, it adds:

“Extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.”

This change is occurring because British citizens would be
considered ‘third country nationals’ in the EU after a no-deal Brexit and thus subject
to different passport requirements. The current requirements for
British passport holders travelling in the EU state that passports need to be
valid for the duration
of your stay, other than in northern Cyprus, where it must be valid for at
least six months.

Passports following a deal with transition period

Under a deal which establishes a transition period, there would be no change to British passport validity in the EU during this period. Whether or not British passport holders would be subject to third country national rules, or other rules, after the transition period, would depend on agreements on the future relationship.

How have other EU Member States reacted?

Their rules governing the passports of British citizens
travelling to EU27 Member States or crossing the EU’s external borders remain
unclear. Their replies to the Commission state only: “you will have to carry
your passport.”

There is no comment on British passports that have already
been issued without the words ‘European Union’ on them, nor on whether existing
burgundy passports with EU signage will remain valid until expiry (provided
there are six months left on the passport from date of arrival in the EU
country).

Entry at EU ports and airports

A no-deal Brexit means British citizens will not be entitled
to use the fast-track lanes at ports and airports for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Longer queueing is expected for British passport holders at passport controls
in other EU countries. Portugal has committed to establishing dedicated
passport control lanes at major airports for flights arriving from the UK
to fast-track the entry of UK tourists. But it is not yet clear whether other
EU Member States will offer similar provisions.